John McCain apologizes for calling Rand Paul, Ted Cruz 'wacko birds'

"[In] an interview I said that Sen. Cruz and Sen. Paul were 'wacko birds.' That was inappropriate and I apologize to them for saying that, and I respect them both. I respect what they stand for and what they believe in. They both made an impact out here in the United States Senate,"

During an interview on Fox News, McCain said that in an interview he said that Senators Cruz and Paul were 'wacko birds.'

He added that that was inappropriate and he apologized to them for saying that, adding that he has respect for both of them.

According to Politico, he added that he respect them for what they stand for and what they believe in. They both made an impact out here in the United States Senate.

McCain had previously told The Huffington Post earlier this month that Cruz, Paul and Republican were 'wacko birds' for their outspoken brand of politicking on the Hill.

McCain has also criticized Paul for his nearly 13-hour filibuster that pressured President Barack Obama's administration to clarify its position on the use of domestic drones.

According to the report, during his speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Thursday, Paul, who is considering a 2016 presidential run, seemingly alluded to McCain's criticisms.

Responding to that line on Fox News, McCain jokingly wiped his face, pretending to wipe off moss.

McCain said on Fox News that Paul's foreign policy beliefs will be part of a larger debate about America's role in the world, the report added. (ANI)